Getting the groove

[frog]

Hi all,

I'm down here in Paris, France. At 42, I'm also another beginner at congas although I have played djembe for about 6 years and sometimes at African weddings and baptisms.
When playing I often get the feeling that I've got the groove and then just a quickly lose it.
Is it just a question of practice or is there something specific that I can work on? Anybody got any magic remedies?

All advice and criticism welcome.

[ABAKUA]

Welcome to the forum Frog/Dom!

A good instructor to assist you in your technique/execution of rhythmes is vital as technique for Djembe is substantially different to Tumbadoras/Congas.

And yes, there is a magic formula, its called consistant practise.

First you get some practise in, then you add some practise, then stir with some practise, let it simmer for a few hours of practise, when you think its done, sit down and get some practise in.
Once done, feel free to practise.

There you have it!



- Marcelo.



Edited By ABAKUA on 1123073812

[zaragemca]

Welcome,to the forum brother Frog,I teach Djembe,but before giving advise I would like to know which african patterns have you practiced,(which african country).Dr. Zaragemca

[JohnnyConga]

WELCOME Frog/.....u should look up one of our members Laurant who lives in Paris and can help you with instruction on congas.....you will also learn a lot here....."JC" Johnny Conga...

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... Conga1.jpg

[frog]

Thank you kindly,

I hear you on the practice front, just keep on going back to the kitchen!

In terms of the African rythmes: Kuku, Soko, Gapmanékarateka, califalé, kunté Mourou (badly) and Soli. Our teacher is from Guinée so mostly Mandingue.
I love the African patterns!

I have a teacher (who I think is very good) for conga who I see once every 3 weeks and he records the lesson. I go away and make sure I've got it down for the following lesson and I do get it but it isn't what I'd call stable smooth or relaxed "l'air de rien"

[zaragemca]

Greeting Frog,I'm glad that your teacher is from Guinea, we share the love for the africans patterns.I have the opportunity to play in several africans ensembles including a Guinean,(Arara-Ewe),there is also a Guinean/teacher in Galveston which have performed with my Drumming Ensemble many times.Your teacher being from Guinea,if his conveying all the necessary information to you,then it would be for you to extend the practice of the instrument,and if he allowed to record some of it,so you could get back to it when he isn't around,also concentrate more in the voicing that you are doing in the ensemble,(if any ensemble),before trying to memorize all at ones,or get into soloing,this is a group teaching,or, it is always one on one teaching, do they have Dun-Duns?.Also the time that you are giving to the congas would take time from dedication to the Djembe.Three weeks is too much of extension between lessons.Dr. Zaragemca



Edited By zaragemca on 1123117628

[frog]

Hi Dr Zaragemca,

I don't play djembé for the moment, I'm concentrating on the conga. The lessons are one to one and as I have a full time job and I can only practice for an hour or so per evening, I need the 3 weeks to really integrate the whole thing.

Could you tell me more about the voicing and how to get the most out of it please?

Thanks again.

[Colacao]

Frog,

I agree with Abakua,

Practice correctly and practice and practice again but...correctly

Salut Frog,

Si tu as un prof. c'est bien, j'imagine que tu développe la technique fondamentale pour les congas nommé la bascule (paume/doigt) et parallèlement tu pratique la marcha. Ensuite, il y a les premières variations etc...et le chef d'orchestre de tout ça, j'ai nomme la fameuse clave.

Dans ce forum, il y a un lien qui s'appel le Congabook. Il est assez fourni.

Bonne Chance

I said there is the congabook and I suggest to practice the basic Palm/toe and marcha + variations + clave .

Paz

[frog]

Merci a toi Cola,

Apparament nous avon pris les meme cours. Je rgarderai le "book".
Sait tu si il y a des groupes à Paris pour beoufer/pratiquer?

Merci encore.

[zaragemca]

Greeting Frog,I the concentrate in the Djembe becouse that was the reference you mentioned in the post,in relation to Congas I usully as matter of courtesy don't get involved in advises when somebody have a teacher,but in this case you are comming with questions,I don't know which style he might be teaching you,but in the incorporation of new patterns and exercises the brain need to have the time to codify and process that information,the coordination,syncronization,timing,etc.,(at the beginning),and that's what is giving you the impression of losing the grid of of the patterns,when all the information is processed then you would start getting the right reflex,(counting on the proper practice)..Voicing is the percussion pattern which you are playing in the ensemble,(depending on the country and type of music).Also as some other participants point out,there are resources in this forum in coping with those grooving.Dr. Zaragemca



Edited By zaragemca on 1123166290

[frog]

Thanks doc, much appreciated. As we say "more power to your arm"

[Colacao]

Frog,

I live in Geneva, I don't know the place for jammin in Paris.

Maybe ask your teacher.

A bientôt

[Diceman]

Frog,

I totally agree with Abakua, Dr Z and all the other contributors, Practice, practice and more practice. Another little 'secreta' which I benefit from (after you have your basic sounds down which incidentally should be practiced daily on any flat surface), is to start practicing new patterns very slowly but with full volume, ie hitting hard and getting the sounds good. This teaches your muscles to memorise the sequence and when you come back to it the next day, you will be surprised how much your 'muscle memory' has taken over and how much you can speed up

Works for me, hope that helps

Diceman

[frog]

I'll be hittin' hard and good Diceman.

Thanks

[Raymond]

Frog,

This is like everything, it has a technical, physical and psicological side to it. Remember, it will be awhile before everything becomes second nature and you will be able to maintain a natural the groove withough being concious. That involves not been confused and/or losing the tempo and/or keeping the volume. Second is the endurance to keep it up.

All this "mombo jombo" actually could only be achieved with practice, practice, practice withough giving up and without picking up bad habits....Remember there will be high moments and low moments...don't give up in the low moments...learn from that and try it again....

Saludos!